Catalyst

Catalyst

by Laurie Halse Anderson (Author)

Synopsis

Kate's failure to get into college to study chemistry, the only subject she can cope with, sends her spinning out of control. She'd only applied to one college - now what? Then her rector father brings home a local family, made homeless in a fire. Teenager Teri is the class outcast, but slowly she and Kate become friends, while little Mikey melts Kate's heart, until a tragic accident sets in motion a chain of events which will change both Teri and Kate's lives for ever.

$13.91

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Published: 13 Mar 2003

ISBN 10: 0340854642
ISBN 13: 9780340854648
Children’s book age: 12+ Years

Media Reviews
'A stunning first novel... Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers' empathy. The book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hardwon metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.' (Speak) - Publishers Weekly 'Nails the high school experience cold. An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.' (Speak) - The Horn Book 'The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn, but it is its raw and unvarnished look at the dynamics of the high school experience that makes this a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.' (Speak) - Kirkus Reviews 'Strong and searching novels that cover very difficult scenarios...The humanity of the protagonist really shines through in the expert characterisation and writing, making these novels really challenge the reader's empathy. I would strongly recommend these stark and thought provoking titles.' (Speak) - The Bookseller 'Anderson has produced an outstanding book which invites the reader's admiration and empathy... The power of Speak to evoke a positive response in spite of harrowing realism lies in Anderson's poetic prose and witty first person narration.' (Speak) - BfK
Author Bio
Laurie Halse Anderson grew up in Syracuse, New York, and now lives in Pennsylvania with her two daughters. The author of three picture books, 'Speak' was her first novel. Widely reviewed, it was a National Book Award finalist in the States, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, as well as winning the 1999 Golden Kite Award, given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Both 'Speak' and 'Fever 1793' are listed in the Publishers Weekly Fiction Top Ten titles for May 2002.